Wall Sweeps Jacksboro to Advance to the State Semifinals

ABILENE, TX — The Wall Hawks survived a slugging night on offense to down Jacksboro in Game Two of the Regional Finals to claim the series win and advance to the state semifinals. After a strong start in the first inning, Wall had to retake the lead late to eventually claim victory, 4-3.

"We were resilient," head coach Jeremy Gordon said after the win. "It wasn't our best stuff. But that's what we just talked about in the huddle. On a day when you show up and don't have your best stuff, and still are able to compete and battle and find a way to get it done in the end, it says a lot about our team."

Wall jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Jacob Braden and Kellan Oliver were both hit by pitches early in the inning to put two men on before a walk from Reid Ballard loaded the bases. A 2-RBI single from Lawson Dankworth to center field gave the Hawks a 2-1 advantage. Two batters later, a passed ball allowed Ballard to score from third. Wall led 3-1 headed to the 2nd inning.

Jacksboro battled back in the top of the 3rd inning. The Tigers took advantage of a Hawks' error to even the score at 3-3. A routine out turned into a run scored with a man on second before a single from the Tigers allowed the tying run.

Neither team found success in the batter's box for the next three innings. It was a pitchers' duel that Wall finally broke in the bottom of the 6th inning. An error from the Tigers allowed Wall to retake the lead. Lawson Dankworth drew a one-out walk before Gage Reichenau hit a ground ball to third base. The throw went wide and into the outfield, allowing Dankworth to score all the way from first base. 

That run ended up being the nail in Jacksboro's coffin as Kellan Oliver finished his complete game on the mound for the Hawks to win the game, clinch the series and send Wall to the state semifinals, 4-3.

Oliver delivered a gritty outing on the mound for the Hawks. He pitched all seven innings, allowed three hits and one earned run. He added six strikeouts and four walks in the win.

"It was closer than expected, but we got the job done," Oliver said after the game. "Jack (Jeys) caught a great game behind the plate, and my defense played behind me. When they do that, good things happen."

Wall now advances to the state semifinals for the second year in a row. The defending champs will play the winner of the Bells vs. Paradise matchup. Date, time and location for the state semifinals are still to be determined.